A/HRC/40/7 40. Belgium noted that efforts were being made to implement the recommendations from the previous review, which included extending a standing invitation to the special procedures. 41. Benin noted the reforms to protect women and children, especially young girls, against violence and human trafficking. 42. Bhutan encouraged Nigeria to continue with efforts to strengthen the protection of human rights. 43. The Plurinational State of Bolivia noted the efforts to promote and protect human rights, and the reforms to improve the effectiveness, accessibility, accountability and transparency of the judiciary. 44. Botswana took note of United Nations reports that cited concerns and called for Nigeria to strengthen protection of women’s rights. 45. Brazil commended Nigeria for its engagement with the international human rights mechanisms. 46. Bulgaria encouraged Nigeria to take further measures to implement the new legislation and policies, and to increase the effectiveness of the National Human Rights Commission. 47. Burundi commended Nigeria for its efforts to improve security in the country through the fight against violent extremism and the Boko Haram terrorist group. 48. Cabo Verde commended Nigeria for its social and economic reforms aimed at improving the social and economic standards of its people. 49. Cameroon noted the efforts of Nigeria in West Africa through its critical role in operations of the Economic Community of West African States, and its commitment to combating terrorism and ensuring stability in the region. 50. Canada looked forward to the full implementation of the national strategy to end child marriage. It encouraged Nigeria to continue strengthening its democracy by ensuring the participation of all in free and fair general elections in 2019. 51. The Central African Republic commended Nigeria for the important legislative and regulatory achievements since its last review of the country. 52. Chad welcomed the progress made by recommendations accepted at the previous review. Nigeria in implementing the 53. Chile praised the cooperation of Nigeria with the International Criminal Court, but expressed concerns about the persistence of discrimination and violence in the country. 54. China welcomed the adoption of the 2017–2020 Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, the human rights training for military and law enforcement personnel, and the continuous implementation of judicial reforms. 55. The Comoros noted the progress made in a number of human rights areas, including the adoption of laws against torture and trafficking in persons. 56. The Congo commended Nigeria for its willingness to cooperate with the human rights mechanisms, including through a standing invitation to the special procedure mandate holders. 57. Côte d’Ivoire welcomed the implementation of a programme to combat violent extremism and the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan 2017–2020. 58. Cuba welcomed the actions taken by Nigeria to improve its legal framework and the quality of and access to health services and education. 59. Cyprus commended Nigeria for its efforts to combat terrorism and to uphold human rights, setting an example for the whole continent. 60. Czechia welcomed the adoption of the Anti-Torture Act, the preparation of the new Electoral Act and the political participation of internally displaced persons. 5